Apple killed off the 3.5mm headphone jack with the launch of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Though not the first smartphone company to do so (Motorola’s Moto Z did exactly that when it was announced a few months ago), they certainly are the most prolific.

In an effort to usher in a new wireless age of listening to music, Apple unveiled their AirPods at the iPhone 7 launch event.

Many people have lambasted Apple for releasing, what is essentially, a pair of EarPods with the cords removed. The major concern being that they will fall out of your ears and get lost.

Alternatives to AirPods

If AirPods are not your cup of tea, here are a few Bluetooth alternatives to try…

Marshall Major II

The Major II Bluetooth keeps the music going strong for over 30 hours of playing time on a single charge. Above the industry standard. Turn on, tune in and rock out to the customised 40mm dynamic drivers tuned for excellent bass response, smooth mids and sizzling highs. Major II Bluetooth connects to your device using Bluetooth aptX. Not only can you blast your favourite tunes in CD-like audio quality, aptX also minimise audio/video syncing issues. This allows you to watch movies without experiencing horrible lip sync.

The double-ended coil cord with mic and remote is completely detachable and compatible with any music player that receives a 3.5mm jack. When listening to music wirelessly, you can use the empty 3.5mm socket to share audio with someone else. With the analogue control knob you can play, pause, shuffle and adjust the volume. Phone functionality is also included, so you can answer, reject or end a call with a few simple clicks.

The built-in microphone allows you to have conversations or record voice memos through your device. The Major II Bluetooth is the perfect travel companion. Its collapsible design also make the headphones easy to store when they’re not in use. Check out what our Tech Guru has to say about the Marshall Bluetooth Headphones below:

Price starts at R1 359.00.

Samsung IconX

Wireless headphones are nice, but imagine if you had wireless earbuds?

Unlike traditional Bluetooth headphones which have a power button or switch, Icon X doesn’t have one. They simply turn on automatically when you put them in their ears, and turn off when you take them off. A heart rate monitor, in the earbuds, recognises when you have them in place.

When you plug one earbud into your ear, you instantly hear a light “buzzing” sound. When you insert the other earbud, you hear a “ding dong” sound and a voice saying “connected”.

You can pair them with your phone to listen to music or you could store music directly on the earbuds themselves and listen to your favourite songs, without needing a phone.

They come with a storage case which serves as a charging case for the earbuds. Keeping them safe and also providing up to two additional charges.

Price starts at R3 599.00.

JBL Reflect Mini BT

Made by Harman International Industries, the JBL Reflect Mini BT is also made for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It allows you to connect wirelessly to any mobile Bluetooth-enabled device.

Unlike Samsung’s Icon X or Marshall’s on-ear Major II headphones, these do have a wire but that is only to prevent these wireless headphones from getting lost. The compact and agile design affords athletes optimal mobility, helping user’s stay light on their feet and conquer any fitness challenge at hand.

These sport headphones also feature ergonomically designed ear tips that stay in place during intense training. The JBL Reflect Mini BT offers pure JBL signature sound, up to eight hours audio playback, and a three-button in-line microphone for music and call control.

Price starts at R1 399.00.

Beats Solo 2 Wireless

If you’ve used Beats Solo 2 wired headphones, then you’ll know what to expect from the Beats solo 2 wireless headphones. The only difference is the lack of cables.

Solo Wireless can move freely for up to 30 feet from your audio device. Take phone calls, skip songs, and change the volume using the “b” button and volume buttons on the ear cup. Its rechargeable battery allows you to enjoy up to 12 hours of wireless playback. Not charged? No problem. Just plug in the provided RemoteTalk cable and enjoy your music.

Price starts at R3 690.00.

Powerbeats 2 Wireless

Yet another pair of wireless earphones made for fitness enthusiasts, the Powerbeats 2 Wireless headphones were inspired by LeBron James. Or so the company says.

Completely redesigned, Powerbeats 2 combines power and strength with IPX4 sweat and water resistance as well as metal accents. A snug fit is created with adjustable ear hooks. This means that no matter how intense the workout, your Powerbeats will remain in your ears.

With the Powerbeats 2 wireless earphones, you can control music, change tracks and answer calls with the RemoteTalk cable. This means that you won’t miss any important calls.